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Weird materials

Weird materials

In this activity children will carry out tests, observe and describe three different solids that behave differently when mixed with water.

Description

Scientists are researching the possible use of a new material for use in bulletproof jackets. Under normal circumstances it is a liquid allowing the wearer to move freely, however when under high pressure such as when a bullet strikes it, it turns into a solid protecting the wearer from harm.

During this activity the children will carry out tests, observe and describe three different solids that behave differently when mixed with water. They will then be challenged to think of novel uses for the materials.

Learning Objective:

Children will be able to work scientifically by:

- making systematic and careful observations

- recording results in a scientific way

Children will learn:

- to compare and group materials together, according to whether they are solids, liquids or gases

Primary upd8

Acknowledgements

These resources were initially developed in partnership with the Centre for Science Education, Sheffield Hallam University.